Old Redcliffians 51, Redruth 24

Redruth slipped to a fourth straight defeat as their poor run shows little signs of being arrested as the season nears its end, writes Bill Hooper.

The only positive to be taken from the game will be the try-scoring bonus point and the hope that they can finish on a high in front of their own fans at Redruth in two weeks time.

Old Reds took an early lead with a penalty through fly-half Ashley Groves, however Redruth replied scoring the opening try through winger Tom Notman converted by fly-half Richie Kevern.

Mid-way through the first half Redruth were rocked by three tries in the space of eleven minutes from flying winger Ezra Caven with two converted by Groves.

The game was effectively wrapped up when wing James Clements scored the bonus point try again bettered by Groves to leave Old Reds 29-7 up- at the break.

Full-back Henry Bird scored his side’s fifth try early in the second half with Groves potting his fourth conversion.

With little more than pride to play for Redruth pulled back an unconverted try through centre Jack Simmons.

Hooker Kieran Ward added further tries for Old Reds either side of Notman’s second try for Redruth converted by Kevern.

With the sniff of a try bonus point Redruth gave it a go in the final moments of the game which led to wing Dean Bonds scoring the fourth try for the Reds salvaging a point to bring back to Cornwall.

There was still time for Bird to get his second try of the game, and Old Reds’ eighth, to round off a comprehensive win in front of their supporters.

With a break over Easter to rest tired bodies Redruth will look to put in a better performance in their final game at home to Dings Crusaders.

Redruth: W Whitworth, T Notman, J Simmons, P Nonu, D Bonds, R Kevern, J Oulton; E Salt, R Brown (capt), J Tompsett, T Prisk, L Hattam, J Eddy, S Stevens, B Howe. Reps: M Gidlow, L Barnes, C Williams, J Heazelton, J Tucker

Redruth scores: Tries - Notman 2, Simmons, Bonds. Cons - Kevern 2